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Autumn 2006

Presbyterian Homes Agreement Over Night Shift

In early 2006, Presbyterian Nursing Homes management met with HACSU and night staff based at the Legana site in Northern Tasmania to discuss a proposed reduction of night staffing levels.

Management intended to reduce the levels of Extended Care Assistants (ECAs) on night shift by twenty-five percent.

HACSU members, at this initial meeting, expressed concern with the proposals put by management. Their major concern was the impact of reduced staff levels on workloads for remaining night staff, which includes both ECAs and a Registered Nurse.

They also believed that any duties unable to be completed by night staff would flow onto the following shifts; this would increase their workloads and detract from the ability of staff to provide a high standard of care to residents.

HACSU members, in response, decided to provide management with detailed lists of the duties performed by night staff to demonstrate the level of work undertaken and to illustrate the likely impact of a reduction of staffing levels.

The HACSU Worksite Committee also undertook to provide day staff with information on the potential workload ramifications for them if there was a reduction in night shift staffing.

By the next meeting with management, a consensus had been reached that reducing night staffing levels would be to the detriment of the nursing home; therefore the status quo ought to be maintained.

Without an active Worksite Committee and an organised workforce, night staff felt that management may not have been as prepared to listen to the concerns of staff.

"Collective input from both Extended Care Assistants and Registered Nurses, with the involvement of the Union, achieved a great outcome for all involved," said, Carer and Chairperson of the Worksite Committee, John Price.

It is hoped that this improved relationship with management will stand all staff in a better position when the Legana site undergoes a redevelopment to incorporate an additional 18 beds, including a Dementia Unit, over the next twelve months.